Lae, Moresby ports undergo transformation as LNG work starts

Lae and Port Moresby ports will see massive transformation in 2010 as infrastructure work on the two liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects begin in earnest, according to chief PNG Ports Corporation Ltd executive officer Brian Riches (pictured).

Mr Riches said this in his New Year’s message to all stakeholders of PNGPCL.

“In 2010, our stakeholders will see major process and infrastructure changes in both Port Moresby and Lae Ports, with benefits to all concerned,” he asserted.

“Trade facilitation is our major focus in 2010.

“2010 will be one of our most-important years ever, and together we will transform our two most-busiest ports from ‘one of the best’ to ‘the best’ and most-efficient in the Pacific Region. 

Mr Riches acknowledged all stakeholders of PNGPCL for their support and excellent working relationship throughout 2009.

“As part of PNG Ports’ management strategy, stakeholder relations are paramount in our operations and management of our ports,” he said.

“Therefore, in this regard, PNG Ports has now embarked on a new campaign with a particular focus at creating awareness and building partnership with private investors, government departments, and port users as well as entering into short and long-term arrangements with donor agencies to procure capacity-building assistance.

“Our infrastructure rehabilitation agenda currently pursued by the company is prioritised with the intention of enhancing operational efficiency.

“As you may be aware, PNG Ports is well into the process of re-branding and transforming itself from a previous public sector mindset into a vibrant private sector organisation which is committed at delivering the best service for its customers with a focus to improving and delivering quality customer service.

“The change agenda is currently being implemented across the entire organisation including all aspects of its business operations.

“PNG Ports has been undergoing significant internal change in 2008 and 2009, and whilst this will continue, 2010 will be the year for PNG Ports Corporation where it is set to transform our relationship with external customers and stakeholders.

“We will also be defining our community service obligations (CSO) and working with Government to define exactly what is our CSO, what it costs and ensuring the nation sees that cost as the ‘dividend’ this  State-owned enterprise pays back to PNG and our nation as a whole.

“Currently, our CSO expense exceeds many millions of Kina.

“Also, as part of our on-going commitment to safety and security, PNG Ports has embarked to establish a relationship and partnership with the Australian Security Advisors on how best to achieve and deliver best practice security and safety systems.”